The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 20: Having Second Thoughts

Quinn’s POV.

The next morning, I began my day early. I fell asleep immediately after crying for a few hours last evening.

I proceeded to the king’s hall. I knocked three times on the door until one of the guards opened it for me. I went inside and faced the king.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” I said, slightly bowing in his honor.

“You got up pretty early today, princess. I’m surprised,” he joked, but I was unable to return his good energy. “What brings you here?”

“I’d like to request your permission,” I started. “I’m going somewhere.”

“I see. I’ll summon the warriors of the palace to come with you–”

“I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty, but you don’t have to,” I declined. “Besides, they must continue to guard the palace. We cannot afford to be complacent as the war approaches. I can take care of myself. I’ll also be back before lunch.”

“Where are you going?” His Majesty asked, causing me to pause.

I couldn’t tell him where I was going, and I could never bring a guard or royal staff with me. I had to change the subject and divert his attention elsewhere.

“We aren’t sure the entire kingdom is safe yet, especially since I believe some of Philip’s warriors remain in the area of Narva. You can’t leave alone–”

“Please allow me to bring a sword, Your Majesty,” I uttered with conviction, which shocked him.

His lips parted in surprise, and he struggled to say anything in response to me. He most likely wasn’t expecting it from me.

“My parents frequently trained me in duels when I was a child, so I learned how to use a sword,” I explained. “Therefore, I’m asking for your permission.”

I wasn’t lying when I said I knew how to use a sword because I took a self-defense class in junior high. It included the use of various weapons. The only thing I’m not sure about right now is whether I remember everything I was taught in the past.

“You are indeed extraordinary, Princess Emerald,” His Majesty said after he recovered from his huge shock. “If that’s what you want, I’ll grant you permission. You can take a sword with you wherever you go. But keep in mind that I not only grant you permission, but I also put my entire trust in you. Promise me that nothing bad will happen to you and that you will return to the palace unharmed.”

“I assure you, Your Majesty,” I pledged.

“I wish you safety. Have a safe journey, princess.” He nodded to me, and I returned his nod before departing the palace.

I hid the sword I was carrying on my side while strolling down the road so I’d be able to easily draw it if someone tried to attack me.

I arrived at the exact time Varri and I had agreed upon, and there was no one suspicious following or hovering around me. I was surprised to see her there, who seemed to have been waiting for me for quite some time. I dashed over to her.

“Have you been waiting here for a while?”

“Not at all,” she responded back, shaking her head and looking around to assess her surroundings. “Are you alone?”

“I came here by myself. There is no one else with me.”

She nodded and returned her gaze to me. “So, tell me, what do you want to know?”